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A cloud-covered weekend morning took us to Easton’s west side and Palmer Township’s City Diner for breakfast. To area natives, 
the City Diner is more than an old standby – it’s a landmark and, to some, almost a home away from home. According to the Lehigh Valley Metromix, the diner, which opened in the late 1950′s, is among the oldest diners in the Easton area. Owner “Nick Giacoumopoulos took over in 1980,” the site says, and their chef has been there for over twenty-five years. Like a good cheddar, it appears to have aged well.
The front and side parking lots were almost full when we arrived just after ten o’clock. We found a space near the back. Inside, the restaurant staff hustled – taking orders, serving food, re-filling coffee, clearing tables. I asked if a booth might be available and we were quickly shown to the lone empty one along the back wall of the front section. I noted that tables and booths were spaced closely, but not uncomfortably so. A pleasant waitress delivered our requested water, a cup of coffee and a cup of tea.
An easel blackboard in the entryway had listed, among other items: raisin French toast and a broccoli cheese omelet – two of my favorites. 
Still, I browsed through the menu. It contained the usual diner fare. Not sure why but I chose simple bacon and eggs, as did M.
While we waited, we sipped our hot beverages and browsed the morning paper. We were especially drawn in by Joseph Owens’ morning blog. As we read, voices around us hummed. I heard the owner/manager deliver a fresh plate to another customer; M. said later that he seemed to be actively involved, keeping a watchful eye.
Our food arrived. Except for the preparation of the eggs, we’d ordered basically the same plates
– eggs, bacon, homefries. Our bacon was crispy, as requested, with a nice salty flavor. My eggs were well scrambled, moist, and delicious! M.’s poached eggs were fine, although close to being overcooked. Still, he said he recognizes restaurants’ concerns over the egg police and problems that arise from undercooked eggs. Our homefries were crispy, as requested; flavor was diner average. Toast was perfect, and still hot when delivered.
Our waitress provided friendly, efficient service. For a wholesome diner breakfast, I’d recommend a visit.
The total bill for two orders of eggs, bacon (3 pieces each), homefries, wheat toast, one coffee and one tea, came to just under $12 (plus tip). Reasonable in today’s market.
The City Diner is located at 1061 S. 25th St., Easton, PA (Palmer Township) – at the corner of 25th St. and Freemansburg Road. 610-258-5526. They are open Monday through Saturday 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sara
It started out innocently. We wanted to go to a country diner. One of us (neither claims credit) suggested we 
drive out Highway 248. We’d stop at the first diner we came to west of Bath. Ten minutes went by. Good conversation. Fifteen minutes. We passed a pizza restaurant; doubtful it served eggs and bacon so we kept driving. Twenty minutes. Lots of trees and fields but we didn’t really feel like hunting for our breakfast. Twenty-two minutes. We drove by signs for towns we’d never heard of. At twenty-six minutes, his stomach began to growl. Mine had been grumbling for the past few miles. That’s when we decided to exit at the next town to seek out a diner, whether it was on 248 or not. And that is how we found Beacon 443 Diner/Restaurant in Lehighton.
We walked in through the side door at the end. 
A waitress offered us our choice of seats in the half-filled diner. We chose a window booth. She gave us menus to look through while she brought our coffee. I’ve noticed there are two types of diner menus: 1) large, heavily laminated, colorful menus that seem to have been printed by the same printer, and 2) those that are unique, more homegrown. Generally, though not always, the more personalized menus have better food. Beacon’s menu was of the homegrown type, a good sign. The front cover noted that they’d been in business since 1941. As our visit progressed we saw their secret for such longevity.
A friendly waitress took our order. As we sipped at our coffee, quite good, we talked and looked around. The Beacon sports a casual charm. 
It’s obviously been tastefully redecorated through the years. Given their easy chatter with the staff, many of the customers seemed to be regulars who enjoy the friendliness and warm atmosphere.
Soon our food arrived. M. had ordered eggs benedict with hash browns, rather than homefries. The order was well-prepared with the poached eggs perfectly cooked, and hot. The hash brown pattie was golden brown. I’d ordered a Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream. The menu had also offered the waffle with creamed chipped beef, but strawberries held far more appeal. My meal was exceptionally tasty, not too sweet. The whipped cream was smooth and light – real cream.
Our attentive waitress kept our coffee cups filled. Great food, great service in a comfortable diner.
Our total bill came to about $14 (plus tip) for Eggs Benedict, hash browns, a Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream, and two coffees.
The Beacon 443 Diner/Restaurant is located at 35 Blakeslee Blvd. E. (Highway 443) in Lehighton, PA. (610) 377-1782. If you’re ever driving west on 248 from Bath, continue on to Lehighton and stop in for a delicious, home-cooked diner meal. You’ll enjoy it! (And if you happen to spot another diner along 248 between the two towns, you will let us know, won’t you? Just click “comments” at the top.)
Sara
One of the unexpected joys I’ve discovered in creating this breakfast review blog are the emails and suggestions received from readers, like Valerie & Phil from Pen Argyl. Recently they visited and commented on The Breakfast Table. They wrote:
“My husband and I discovered a unique and charming breakfast and lunch eatery, The Breakfast Table …. located on Tatamy Road, at the intersection of Corriere Road, in Palmer Township.
The food is wonderful, the coffee excellent, the wait staff is very friendly, the establishment immaculate, the atmosphere is very bright and welcoming and, if you enjoy Sinatra, you will have a very pleasant breakfast experience.”
Valerie and Phil
Pen Argyl, PA
Thank you, Valerie & Phil! Shortly after it opened, long before this blog, my husband and I enjoyed lunch at The Breakfast Table. As I recall, it was every bit as charming and pleasant as you describe.
One recent afternoon I drove by to snap the above photo and saw their menu posted outside. Along with traditional eggs and breakfast potatoes, selections include: quiche, assorted breakfast burritos, omelettes, steak & eggs, Belgian waffles, pancakes and a lovely variety of sides.
The Breakfast Table is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are closed on Monday. A friend told me that her office reserved the restaurant for their evening Christmas party a few years ago so it may also be available for private functions off-hours. Their street address is 2 Crown Plaza, Easton, PA. Phone – (610) 252-8783.
Sara
UPDATE*** September 9, 2009
See another great review of The Breakfast Table at The Fork City blog (click here).
Sara
“How do you choose a diner to review?” a friend asked. 
Answering took a few minutes. Sometimes it’s geography, based on a morning’s errands. Or we might pull a name from others’ suggestions. On occasion, it’s pure happenstance. That’s how we ended up at the Westgate Diner this morning. We just sort of happened upon it. A happy surprise.
Westgate Diner sits in a southwestern styled building at the angled corner of Schoenersville and 
Catasauqua Roads in Bethlehem, catty-corner from the Westgate Mall. Not a huge parking lot, but adequate for the seating inside. The southwest theme is carried into the dining room in color and style.
On walking in, we were met with a warm smile and promptly seated at a booth under a rounded window adorned with tied-back curtains. A dozen or so customers were chatting and enjoying their meals. Our genial waitress handed us menus and took our requests for coffee and water.
The two-page menu held the usual breakfast assortment – egg dishes including omelets, pancakes, French Toast, and various sides. No sausage links we learned, only patties which was fine with me. M. ordered one of his favorites – steak and eggs.
As we sipped our coffee (superbly brewed!) and browsed through the morning news, more folks arrived. Gatherings of families and friends, couples, and obvious old-time regulars. 
Soon our food arrived on heated plates. Almost immediately, we knew we’d found a jewel.
M.’s steak was a good-size breakfast steak, medium rare as ordered, with two large poached eggs on top, perfectly cooked and steaming. His steak was tender and tasty. Both of us were awed over the homefries, fresh, hot, and deep golden brown. My scrambled eggs were moist and filled with flavor, and the large sausage patty nicely cooked. When our waitress arrived to refill our coffee, we offered our compliments to the cook, something we don’t often do. “He is good,” she said, smiling. I added, “One of the best we’ve found,” (and meant it!).
Our total bill came to $18 (plus tip) for steak, two eggs, homefries, and wheat toast for M. and two scrambled eggs, homefries, sausage patty, and wheat toast for me, plus our two coffees with refills.
What is it that sets one diner apart? The service? Atmosphere? Food? Whatever it might be, we’re pleased to have found it this morning at the Westgate Diner. I hope you’ll visit this hidden gem among the Valley’s diners.
The Westgate Diner is located at 1267 Birchwood Drive, Bethlehem, PA. 610-865-5562. They are open 7 days a week from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm.
Sara
